THE INCREDIBLES

Alright, let's role play here for a second. Imagine for a moment that you are the head of a major movie studio. So far you have produced 5 films, all of which have been critical and box-office smashes. What do you do? Now, the typical Hollywood thinking on this is to stick to the formula and with what works. Pixar however, had an entirely different idea on how best to proceed. They brought in Brad Bird, a rather obscure (his only other work was the Iron Giant, which was a massively underappreciated masterpiece) yet rambunctious personality in the entertainment industry. Why did they do this? In their words, it was so they didn't get complacent. So they wouldn't just slink back into what was comfortable! Who are these people!?!

Their gamble worked, and the Incredibles shattered every preconceived notion that the world had about what animation could and could not be. Here there were action scenes more visceral and exciting to watch than any summer blockbuster (Dash running from the bad guys through the forest, dare you not to cheer). Family drama more engaging and heartfelt than any indie oscar bait ("I can't lose you again, i'm not strong enough!" Dare you not to tear up). Emotional stakes just as tense and dangerous as any Martin Scorcese blood fest (The missles coming towards the plane. Dare you not to get shivers down your spine). This was a real turning point for animated films, where they finally started to get taken seriously.

I remember seeing this movie for the first time in the theater. I had been pretty out of the loop for two years on my mission, and so i knew absolutely nothing about it. I was floored! It remains the best experience i have ever had watching a movie; and as opposed to getting older every time i watch it, it just keeps getting better!